Vernon Estelle Christensen
November 7, 1931 – January 29, 2025
Vernon Estelle Christensen went to be with the Lord on January 29, 2025. She passed away peacefully at home, cared for and surrounded by her family.
She was born on November 7, 1931, in Votaw, Texas, to James Daniel and Sarah Newman, the seventh of ten siblings. Her father was a Pentecostal evangelist, and the family moved frequently—living in Louisiana, Florida, and eventually settling in Pensacola, Florida, where she attended The Pentecostal Assembly of Jesus Christ church. At age 14, the Ladies Auxiliary of her church paid her tuition to attend Apostolic High School and College in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
It was there that Estelle met the love of her life, James M. Christensen. She traveled home with Jim to Toppenish, Washington, and they were married in 1953. Their first apartment was at Conquerors Bible College, where Jim worked on the newly formed school. Their first child, Marsha, was born in Portland, Oregon. The family later moved to Salem, Oregon, where sons Jimmy and Don were born. Eventually, they settled in Cascade, Idaho, where daughter Tammy was born. Estelle and Jim followed construction work throughout California, Oregon, Washington, and finally made their long-term home in Caldwell, Idaho, where they lived for the past 49 years.
Estelle loved God and faithfully raised her family in her faith. She and Jim served in every church they attended. Even in her final year, when she could no longer attend services, she kept her church bulletin nearby and continued to pray for her church family every day.
Estelle and Jim shared 67 years of marriage until his passing in 2020. She missed him dearly every day and longed for their reunion. They enjoyed family road trips and later traveled extensively, living and working in places like St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Jackson, Mississippi. Estelle had a passion for travel and cherished visits with family and friends.
She had a deep love for the outdoors—fishing, hiking Idaho’s mountain streams and lakes, and picking huckleberries. Some of her happiest moments were at family gatherings in Donnelly, Idaho. Estelle was known to say with pride, “I started all this!” She was spirited, genuine, and unafraid to speak her truth.
Estelle was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim, her son Don, and daughter-in-law Salli.
She is survived by her sister Irene Hale (Tulsa, Oklahoma), and by her children:
- Marsha (Alan) Stallones
- Jim (Kristi) Christensen
- Tammy (Robert) Breshears
She is also survived by her grandchildren:
Tia (Tyson) Davis, Justin (Rebecca) Stallones, A.J. (Veronica) Stallones, T.J. (Shawna) Christensen, Anthony (Monika) Christensen, Darryl (Asia) Christensen, Mili Christensen, Alexander Christensen, C.D. (Elizabeth) Breshears, Candace (Alex) Rojas, and Chris (Angela) Williams.
Her legacy also includes 25 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Estelle’s life was one of faith, family, and fierce love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
